Cornwall Regional adminpledges support for nurses

ANTHONY SMIKLE, the chief executive officer of Cornwall Regional Hospital, St James, has said the hospital's administration will continue to fight for the acquisition of resources that nurses require to continue to function at the highest level at the multi-disciplinary institution.

Smikle was bringing greetings at the National Nurses Week Open Day ceremony at the Montego Bay-based hospital on Monday. The week's activities are being staged under the theme, 'Nurses a force for change: a vital resource for health'.

"The administration from Cornwall will be unwavering in our support for the nurses, and we will continue to fight for resources that we know your group - the nursing group - must receive if you are to continue to do the good job that you are doing," said Smikle.

Drawing reference to the recent industrial action which was taken by the nurses, Smikle said every good relationship encounters differences, arguing that they were able to settle it (the dispute) amicably. He further noted that without the nurses, the hospital would not be able to function as well as it does.

"In terms of commitment, dedication to duty, we are grateful for the output of the nurses. We could not run an institution such as this without the unwavering support and work of the nursing group," said Smikle.

Smikle indicated that there would be improvement to the working environment, making life easier for the nurses to function effectively.

Guest speaker Nurse Mercel Stanton, regional dental auxillary coordinator, urged the nurses to reposition themselves to become the change as those who chose to remain static would be pushed aside in the grand scheme of things.